World Cup: Marcus Rashford dedicates goal to friend who died after long battle with cancer

Marcus Rashford has revealed the emotional reasoning behind the celebration for his first goal in England's 3-0 victory over Wales.

It was a memorable night for the Manchester United forward who scored twice to ensure England took top spot in Group B and advance to the last-16.

After scoring his first goal, Rashford dropped to his knees and pointed to the sky in what was a poignant celebration for a friend who has died following a long battle with cancer.

During his post-match interview, he said: 'I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago.

'He had quite a long battle with cancer. I’m pleased I scored for him, he was a big supporter and good friend of mine. He was someone who came into my life.'

Rashford was brought into the starting eleven for the first time in Qatar and has given Gareth Southgate a selection headache going into their last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday.

After a quiet opening half, England stepped up a gear in the second with Rashford scoring a stunning free-kick to give the Three Lions the lead.

Man City star Phil Foden doubled the lead before Rashford added a third for the Three Lions - having also scored as a substitute in the 6-2 victory over Iran.

Rashford took to Twitter after the game to post his second goal celebration, as he jumped for joy, surrounded by his England teammates, alongside the captain: “Last 16 here we come.”

The 25-year-old after the game told the BBC: 'It's obviously a great feeling. We were disappointed as a team after the last game, we could have played a lot better. The only way to bounce back is to play better in your next game.

'Moments like this, this is what I play football for. I am really happy today to be going into the next round of the tournament, because I have massive ambition for this team and I think we can go a lot further.'

Speaking of his free-kick goal which opened the scoring and eventually sparked England's victory, Rashford said: "I fancied one in the first half, but the one in the second was in a better position. Then it's being calm and executing what you do in training."